Running with your dog

When I run Shailer on the bike I use a regular collar. He is really great at not pulling on the bike and listens extemly well, he gets really consentrated on what he is doing and so I don't need to use anything else.

When we jog I either use a halter or a halti because he is a puller. He has always pulled when on a walk and I don't like it when he gets infront of me. Its ok when I say its okay but other wise I don't like it. Other than that he is great.

I use a martingale collar on Sam. He's a puller - and it gives me more control. Other wise I use a nylon collar or a Halti - he hates the Halti thou....martigale's are my choice. Harnesses make him pull more - I may have to got to a harness when I get a bike - might not, I'm not sure yet

 A martingale or flat collar should be fine. I would suggest against using a chain collar in case of sudden stops or if he gets distracted. It may take some training to teach him that when you're running, he's not allowed to stop and sniff. Maybe take some treats with you to keep him next to you (not sure how he is with loose leash walking)

Also start out slow. Make small trips to build him up and try to keep him on soft surfaces. Tyson is still a pup so you don't want to injure the joints by running on pavement for long periods of time. 

That may be an old wives tale but that's just what I've done and had no problems with my old dogs.

 It's not an old wives' tale - most performance people know not to force exercise a pup until the growth plates close, around 12 to 18 months depending on breed.  That means don't go with him any further than he'd normally go himself before he started doing something else.  And definitely stay off the concrete.

I'll run with a flat collar once I start again.  If you truly are running, most dogs will settle into a steady trot beside you once they get used to the idea that you aren't necessarily going somewhere, you're just "checking out the neighborhood."  Sometimes it's hard for a really scent-driven dog to get out of lunging ahead so they can snatch whiffs of the ground, and the northern type breeds do like to lean into the lead.  I'd suggest a harness for these dogs - sometimes they just want to be a bit in front. 

But don't put up with nonsense - it can be dangerous to have a dog come to a full stop in front of you, or pull you over, when you are in full swing.  My MIL ended up in the hospital and off her feet for six weeks with a badly broken ankle when her dog pulled her off her feet - guess how much walking that dog gets now? 

I'm hoping to run in the Richmond Komen next year and once the doctor has released me, I'll be using my training to also condition my young trial dog as well.  It should be fun.  Some people do it with ATVs - but I've figured out a route around our new farm that's right about 2.5K - no traffic roads to worry about - I can get my other dogs out there too.  I won't be able to run the dogs off leash like here because we have too many neighbors who are, apparently, antsy about dogs off leash.   That's fine - it's better than the alternative!

brookcove

It's not an old wives' tale - most performance people know not to force exercise a pup until the growth plates close, around 12 to 18 months depending on breed.  That means don't go with him any further than he'd normally go himself before he started doing something else.  And definitely stay off the concrete.

Being a giant breed dog River wasn't permitted to do anything strenuous to his joint until he was 3 years olds.  Breeder and Vet were stern on that.  Jumping in and out of car, running and even carting and pulling not allowed.  I had to buy a ramp for him to use for the longest time.  If you don't want hip and joint problems you have to be carefull.

PS:  Tyson is beautiful!!